UK ETA denied

What to do next?

A UK ETA refusal can be disappointing, especially if it could affect your future travel plans. Knowing the reasons and the reapplication process can help you act quickly before your trip.

This guide covers:

  • Common reasons for ETA denial
  • Steps to take after a rejected ETA application
  • How Etauk.com helps with reapplication

In urgent cases, use our Express Priority Processing service to get your UK ETA in just 1 hour.

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Why was my UK ETA denied?

An ETA rejection can happen for several reasons. The notification you receive will explain why your ETA travel authorisation was denied.

Incorrect personal information

Errors in your name, passport number, or expiry date often result in ETA rejection. Even a small mismatch with the passport MARZ (machine-readable zone) can lead to denial.

Eligibility issues

The UK ETA is available for all visa-exempt nationalities and certain travel purposes. Applying under the wrong category can result in the ETA not being approved.

Previous immigration breaches

Past overstays in the UK, visa penalties, or refusals can impact your ETA application. This is because non-compliance in the past is considered a risk factor.

Security or criminal record

Any indications of criminal convictions or security risks can result in an ETA denial. Such issues are taken seriously and require additional checks.

Incomplete or inconsistent answers

Leaving questions blank or providing information that does not match your official documents can prevent approval. Review all the sections carefully before submitting your application.

advice

Quick actions if your UK ETA is denied:

  1. Read the refusal email carefully
  2. Identify the reason for denial
  3. Correct the error and reapply as soon as possible

Can I appeal an ETA rejection?

If your ETA application is denied, you cannot appeal the result. Once a decision has been made, it cannot be overturned through review or reconsideration.

However, a refusal does not make travel to the UK impossible. For most travellers, the quickest solution is to correct the issue that caused the rejection and submit a new ETA application.

How to reapply for your ETA after a denied application

With Etauk.com, the reapplication process is quick, easy, and 100% online. Each step is designed to minimise errors and speed up approval.

Reapply for your UK ETA in 3 simple steps:

  • form

    1- Fill out a new form

    Begin a new application with our easy-to-use form. Each field includes tooltips and guidance to help you fill out each section correctly.

    Start Now
  • payment

    2- Pay the reapplication fee

    Make a secure online payment with your preferred method (debit or credit card). All data is protected with SSL encryption technology.

  • email

    3- Receive your ETA via email

    You’ll receive email updates on the status of your ETA reapplication. Once approved, save the travel authorisation on your phone or print a paper copy.

Reapplying for a UK ETA is simple and stress-free with Etauk.com. For extra peace of mind, select our optional add-on services at checkout:

  • Express priority

    Get your UK ETA approved in as little as 1 hour. Ideal for urgent travel or last-minute plans.

  • Fee protection

    Cover your ETA application fee if your trip is cancelled. Valid for up to 120 days after payment.


Checklist before reapplying for the UK ETA

Before submitting your new ETA application, it’s important to make sure all details are correct and complete. Use this checklist to avoid common mistakes:

  • Confirm that your personal information is consistent across the form.
  • Always include full middle names if they appear in your passport.
  • If you have two surnames, enter both in the same order as in your passport.
  • Be careful with characters such as 'ä', 'ö', 'ü', and 'ß' in your passport.
  • Be careful with characters such as ‘ñ’, ‘ç’, ‘é’, ‘è’, ‘ê’, and ‘ë’ in your passport.
  • Keep the exact order of names as shown in your passport, including titles only if they are printed.
  • Provide an active email address and mobile number to receive notifications.

Reapplying for your UK ETA takes just a few minutes. Complete the online form on your phone, tablet, or computer, wherever you are.

Support from Etauk.com for your ETA reapplication

Etauk.com is your trusted ETA agency. Since 2023, we’ve been helping travellers worldwide prepare for their trip to the UK.

Our support for your ETA reapplication includes:

  • Simplicity: Our easy-to-use online form helps prevent errors and guides you to complete your application without issue.
  • Revision: We carefully review every ETA application to avoid typos, errors, or missing information that could lead to refusals.
  • Guidance: Our customer support team is available to provide advice when dealing with a denied or rejected ETA.

Receive assistance throughout the ETA reapplication process in the language you’re most comfortable with. We speak 15+ languages, including English, Spanish, German, and Arabic.

FAQs about the UK ETA reapplication process

If your ETA has been refused, you might have questions about reapplying and your next steps. Here are some of the most common questions about the ETA, reapplication, and travelling to the UK.

How soon can I reapply after my ETA was rejected? Toggle faqs

You can reapply immediately if the problem with your ETA approval is something that can be corrected, such as an error in the details provided. At Etauk.com, we’ll check that the information in your application form matches your official documents.

Does an ETA refusal mean I cannot travel to the UK at all? Toggle faqs

An ETA denial does not mean you cannot travel to the UK. If your ETA was not approved, you can still reapply. Make sure you understand the reason for the refusal and, before resubmitting, check that all the information in your form is accurate and up to date.

Is an approved ETA a guarantee of entry into the UK? Toggle faqs

An approved ETA allows you to travel to the UK. Border Force officers will then check that you meet all entry requirements for your nationality and the purpose of your visit. Without an ETA (or visa, if required), you might be refused entry.